Intermediate

These scopes offer higher performance and more advanced features than Level 1 Beginner models. They typically take a bit longer to learn and need some set-up or adjustments. But anyone with the slightest technical bent will have no problem getting familiar with these models. Referring to the manual is recommended.

Large Dobsonian reflector telescope with 8" aperture allows you to see faint deep-sky objects such as nebulas and galaxies, in addition to fantastic views of the Moon and planets

Locating those faint deep-sky objects is simple with the IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator - it includes more than 14,000 objects in its database, and points you right to each one

Select the object you wish to view from the IntelliScope database, then simply follow the directional arrows displayed on the hand controller by moving the telescope until the object is right in the eyepiece field of view - it's easy!

Our intelligent 8" Dobsonian reflector telescope has ample aperture and computerized smarts that make it an excellent instrument for any astronomy enthusiast. With its computerized object locator system, the Orion SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian will give you speedy, push-button access to more than 14,000 fascinating celestial objects. Looking for the Whirlpool Galaxy? Press the button labeled "Messier" then select M51. Whoosh! Wow! In seconds, there it is in the telescope eyepiece, once you've pushed the telescope to the position indicated by the handheld Computerized Object Locator. Never been able to find that edge-on galaxy, NGC 891? Tap the "NGC" button, select 891 Whoosh! You're there. It's that easy to locate object after object, so many more in an evening than you could ever find before.

Using the "push-to" IntelliScope system is easy for any backyard stargazer. Just select an object to view from the IntelliScope controller's menu buttons, press Enter, and then move the telescope in the direction of the guide arrows on the liquid crystal display. In seconds, the IntelliScope's two high-resolution, 9,216-step digital encoders pinpoint the object, placing it right in the telescope's field of view. The Computerized Object Locator's database includes a lifetime of celestial objects to view: 837 stars (including double and variable stars), 7,840 NGC objects, 5,386 IC objects, 101 Messier objects, 8 major planets, and 99 user-entered objects. It features illuminated buttons and a backlit, two-line LCD display. The intuitive menu buttons allow selection of objects by type (e.g., Planet, Nebula, Cluster, Galaxy) or catalog number (e.g., M57, NGC 253). Press the Tour button to select one of 12 tours of the best objects visible in any given month. If you happen to find an object you aren't familiar with, you can even use the controller's ID button to find out the name of the object you're viewing.

Since the Orion IntelliScope Computerized Object Locator system does not involve motors, you actively push the telescope following the directions displayed on the handheld IntelliScope controller until the object you've selected is centered. The XT8i IntelliScope will actually teach you about locations of objects in the night sky during use as you gently push the telescope from object to object. Instead of relying on power-draining GoTo system motors, the "push-to" IntelliScope XT8i saves energy and expense by running on a single 9-volt battery cell (included).

The Orion SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Computerized Dobsonian Telescope is capable of providing you and your family with years of entertainment under the stars. Its 8" (203mm) aperture parabolic primary mirror serves up jaw-dropping images of the planets, cloudy nebulas, star clusters, and galaxies. The 8"-aperture reflector telescope tube rides on a streamlined, ultra-stable Dobsonian base, which moves smoothly on non-stick PTFE and UHMW polyethylene bearing pads. The Orion CorrecTension system keeps the telescope tube perfectly balanced on the Dobsonian base for simple, effective point-and-view ease of use.

Take a "push-to" tour of the heavens with the included IntelliScope Object Locator.

The SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope's Object Locator hand controller will tell you exactly where to point the telescope to see any of over 14,000 celestial objects within its database. Simply select the object you wish to view using the IntelliScope controller's menu buttons, then follow the directional arrows on the controller's display screen to aim the telescope right at the desired object. Or, you can press the Tour button to select one of 12 tours of the best objects visible in any given month.

The included 1.25" Orion 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece provides a 48-power view when used with the SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope reflector. Using this eyepiece's moderate magnification is a great way to begin exploring interesting objects in the sparkling night sky. Offering a wide 52° apparent field of view, the 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece yields extremely sharp images of impressively high contrast. You'll be amazed at the crisp, clear views of sights like the cratered surface of the Moon and much more!

Take a closer look with the included 10mm Sirius Plossl Eyepiece.

When you're ready to study objects with more magnification, use the included 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece. When inserted into the SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope reflector, the 10mm Plossl provides a powerful, 120x view with a 52° apparent field of view, so you can inspect interesting objects more closely. We recommend starting out with the lower-power 25mm Plossl, then switching to the 10mm ocular to boost the power of your telescope's view.

Following a simple alignment procedure, the 9x50 finder scope allows convenient and comfortable aiming of the SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope. The finder scope's right-angle eyepiece design lets you use the finder without crouching or awkwardly craning your neck. A built-in Amici prism provides a correctly oriented view that isn't upside down, so it's easier to use compared to standard finders.

Use the navigation knob to slew the XT8i IntelliScope from target to target.

The XT8i IntelliScope's enameled steel reflector optical tube boasts a handy "navigation knob" for easy slewing and repositioning of the telescope. To move the telescope, simply take hold of the navigation knob near the front opening of the scope and gently move the tube up or down and left or right as desired.

The SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian features a 2" Crayford focuser with a removable 1.25" adapter so it can accept both 1.25" and 2" eyepieces and accessories. The Crayford mechanism ensures all focus adjustments are smooth, accurate, and virtually free of backlash and flexure, even with heavier 2" accessories installed, making it easier to achieve the sharpest possible focus.

Learn about the night sky with the included Starry Night Special Edition software.

Explore starry skies anytime - even when it's cloudy! The Orion SkyQuest XT8i IntelliScope Dobsonian includes a FREE Special Edition of Starry Night astronomy software. With realistic sky simulations and a many useful features including telescope control, the user-friendly Starry Night Special Edition software will help you plan your observations and understand what you see. Requires PC running Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8. Requires Macintosh running OS X 10.4 or higher.

Find out how much fun big-aperture stargazing can be with the "push-to" Orion SkyQuest XT8i Computerized IntelliScope Dobsonian!

Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-676-1343.

Warning

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

User level

Level 1 Beginner - Suited for a wide range of uses, these telescopes are simple to operate and set up. Some initial assembly may be required. Very good optical and mechanical quality. Great for families, young people, and folks who don't want to mess with equipment but just want to take a look. Any of these scopes will show you countless lunar craters, Saturn's rings and a myriad of star clusters and nebulas! Referring to the manual is recommended.

Level 2 Intermediate - These scopes offer higher performance and more advanced features than Level 1: Beginner models. They typically take a bit longer to learn and need some set-up or adjustments. But anyone with the slightest technical bent will have no problem getting familiar with these models. Referring to the manual is recommended.

Level 3 Advanced - These scopes provide the best performance but may require more skill to master and appreciate. They have exceptionally fine optics and mechanics. Some are easy to use but are but on the large or heavy side. Some are intended for specialized uses. These scopes will appeal to the more technically inclined. Referring to the manual is highly recommended.

Level 4 Expert - Expert telescopes offer uncompromising optical and mechanical quality for the most demanding amateur astronomer. They may be technically involved or designed for specialized use, such as astrophotography or detailed deep sky observation. They carry a premium price, but are designed to provide the ultimate performance in the field. Referring to the manual is highly recommended.

Optical design

Reflector telescopes use a pair of large and small mirrors to direct incoming light to the eyepiece.
Refractor telescopes refract, or "bend" incoming light to a focus by means of an objective lens.
Cassegrain telescopes, such as Maksutov-Cassegrains, "fold" incoming light using two mirrors and a front "corrector" lens.

Optical diameter

For telescopes, the optical diameter (also known as aperture) is the size of a telescope's main light-collecting lens or primary mirror, measured in millimeters or inches. Telescopes with larger optical diameters collect more light, which leads to an increase in brightness and image resolution compared to smaller instruments.

For binoculars, the optical diameter (also known as objective lens diameter) is the size of each of the front-facing objective lenses of a binocular measured in millimeters. Binoculars with larger objective lenses collect more light, which increases image resolution and brightness. Binoculars with larger objective lenses are recommended for low light situations, and binoculars with at least 50mm or larger objective lenses are recommended for pleasing astronomical observations at night.

Focal length

The distance from the center of a curved mirror or lens at which parallel light rays converge to a single point. The focal length is an inherent specification of a mirror or lens and is one of the factors in determining resultant magnification for a telescope (along with the focal length of the eyepiece being used).

Focal ratio

The focal ratio of an optical system is the ratio of a telescope's focal length to its aperture. Short focal ratios (f/5, f/4.5) produce wide fields of view and small image scales, while long focal lengths produce narrower fields of views and larger image scales.

Optics type

Newtonian reflectors will have either a spherical shaped mirror, which is less expensive to produce, or a higher quality parabola, which does not result in spherical aberration. Cassegrain telescopes routinely use spheres in addition to other lenses in the optical path to correct for residual spherical aberration.
Refractors use a series of lenses to provide a clear image. Designs range from a standard air-spaced doublet (two lenses in a row) to exotic designs such as oil-spaced triplets and 4-element multi group lenses.

Glass material

Refractors use glass lenses to focus the light, and the glass material plays an important role in the quality of the resulting image. Standard achromatic refractors routinely use Crown and Flint for the two elements, but more expensive apochromatic refractors can use ED (extra low dispersion) glass for one or more of the lenses. Reflector mirrors are made from glass with different levels of thermal expansion. Standard mirrors are made from material such as Soda-Lime Plate glass and BK-7 glass. Glass with Pyrex or other low thermal expansion material will not change shape as dramatically during the cool-down period, resulting in more stable images during this period.

Resolving power

The theoretical resolving power of a telescope can be calculated with the following formula: Resolving power (in arc seconds) = 4.56 divided by aperture of telescope (in inches). In metric units, this is: Resolving power (in arc seconds) = 116 divided by aperture of telescope (in millimeters). Note that the formula is independent of the telescope type or model, and is based only upon the aperture of the telescope. So the larger the telescope's aperture, the more it is capable of resolving. This is important to keep in mind when observing astronomical objects which require high resolution for best viewing, such as planets and double stars. However, it is usually atmospheric seeing conditions (not the telescope) which limits the actual resolving power on a given night; rarely is resolution less than one arc-second possible from even the best viewing locations on Earth.

Lowest useful magnification

Lowest useful magnification is the power at which the exit pupil becomes 7mm in diameter. Powers below this can still be reached with the telescope to give wider fields of view, but the image no longer becomes brighter at a lower power. This is due to the fact that the exit pupil of the telescope (the beam of light exiting the eyepiece) is now larger than the average person's dark adapted pupil, and no more light can fit into the eye.

Highest useful magnification

The highest practical limit is different from the often used "highest theoretical magnification" specification. The "theoretical" limit generally is 50x the aperture of the scope in inches (2x the aperture in mm). So for example, an 80mm refractor is capable of 160x, and a 10" telescope is theoretically capable of 500x magnification.
But after approximately 300x, theory breaks down and real world problems take over. The atmosphere above us is constantly in motion, and it will distort the image seen through the telescope. This effect may not be noticeable at lower powers, but at higher powers the atmosphere will dramatically blur the object, reducing the quality of the image. On a good night (a night where the air above is steady and the stars aren't twinkling), the practical upper limit of a large telescope is 300x, even thought the theoretical limit may be much higher. This doesn't mean the scope will never be able to reach those higher "theoretical" powers - there will be that rare night where the atmosphere is perfectly still and the scope can be pushed past it's practical limit, but those nights will be few and far between.

Astro-imaging capability

The astro-photographic capability of the telescope is based on the style, stability, and accuracy of the mount and tripod. Telescopes on either very lightweight mounts or non tracking mounts (such as Dobsonians) are capable of only very short exposures such as lunar photographs. If a motor drive is attached to an equatorial mount, even a small lightweight mount is capable of capturing some planetary detail. Larger EQ mounts that utilize very precise tracking and excellent stability are capable of longer exposure deep-sky photography.

Computerized compatibility

Some mounts are compatible with a motorized Go-To system for fully automated computer finding of objects in the night sky. Others mounts are compatible with computer finding systems which require the user to manually move the mount to the object's position as indicated by the computer finder.

Warranty

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. It is not intended to remove or restrict your other legal rights under applicable local consumer law; your state or national statutory consumer rights governing the sale of consumer goods remain fully applicable.

Orders received by 1pm Eastern Time for in-stock items ship the same business day. Orders received after 1pm will ship the next business day. When an item is not in-stock we will ship it as soon as it becomes available. Typically in-stock items will ship first and backordered items will follow as soon as they are available. You have the option in check out to request that your order ship complete, if you'd prefer.

A per-item shipping charge (in addition to the standard shipping and handling charge) applies to this product due to its size and weight. This charge varies based on the shipping method.

Looking to expand your viewing power? The XT10i mirror gathers 56% more light than the XT8i, allowing you to view fainter objects. As with the XT8i, this telescope allows you to locate more than 14,000 celestial objects with the push of a button.

Orion offers a rugged, fully padded, case to fit just about every telescope we stock. It provides an easy way to transport and store your telescope. Heavy-duty and water-resistant material, and fits the SkyQuest XT8, XT8 intelliscope & XT8G.

Having trouble viewing details on the Moons surface? This neutral-density eyepiece filter reduces glare so you can see more detail and surface features. The 1.25" Orion 13% Transmission Moon Filter is especially useful with large aperture telescopes.

The affordable MoonMap 260 is a must-have for any backyard astronomer. The laminated map includes both a correct and reversed view of the Moon and identifies over 260 popular lunar features including craters, valleys, mountain ranges, and more!

You've just bought your first telescope, but now what? The Orion Beginning Stargazer's Toolkit is the perfect addition! This best selling kit includes a planisphere star atlas, Discover the Stars book, Orion MoonMap 260, and a red flashlight.

The Orion 1.25" Telescope Accessory Kit includes a good starting assortment of eyepieces to get the most out of your telescope. Two Sirius Plossl 1.25" eyepieces, a Shorty Barlow lens, 4 filters for lunar and planetary viewing, and an aluminum case.

Designed for use with Orion 4.5", 6", 8" and 10" Dobsonians, the Dob Dolly provides a rugged wheeled platform for your big telescope. Use the Dob Dolly to roll your fully assembled Dobsonian reflector from its storage spot for stargazing adventures!

Dob Pod attaches securely to the base of your compatible Orion Dobsonian reflector and raises the entire telescope a full foot upwards for more convenient and comfortable stargazing. Compatible with Orion 4.5", 6", 8" and 10" Dobsonians.

Speed up the cooling of your large reflector's optics with the Orion Cooling Accelerator Fan. This fan attaches to pretapped holes in the mirror cell and uses 8 D-cell batteries (not included) which allows it to run for up to 14 hours continuously.

For testing the accuracy of your tracking system, or centering stars for GoTo system alignment, the wide field of the Orion 20mm Illuminated Centering Eyepiece makes it easy. Just use the illuminated crosshair to acquire and center any star.

This Orion Solar Filter fits Orion 8" Dobsonians, allowing you to safely observe or image the sun. The glass filter is better than mylar because it improves contrast (more natural yellow-orange color rather than blue) and is more durable.

A great tool for bringing out details in the planets and Moon is this 1.25" set of four Orion Color Telescope Filters. Each colored filter brings out different details in the planets allowing for a totally different view.

The Orion Intelliscope to PC RS-232 Connector Cable allows you to connect your IntelliScope Object Locator to a serial port on your personal computer so you can use astronomy software to control your Orion Dobsonian IntelliScope.

At Orion, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and passion for astronomy and astrophotography with the amateur astronomy community. Visit the Orion Community Center for in-depth information on telescopes, binoculars, and astrophotography. You can find astrophotography "how to" tips and share your best astronomy pictures here. Submit astronomy articles, events, and reviews, and even become a featured Orion customer!